Stan Leslie

Sad to report that long-time Sheffield Circle member Stan Leslie (Stan Whomersley) died on 6 January. His funeral service on 25 January was well attended by his many friends, fellow entertainers and SCM members. Stan had been a member of the Circle since 1957.

His daughter, who many members will remember performing a two-person mind-reading act at SCM events some years ago, read a version of an appropriate poem by David Whalen (Stan was a keen ballroom dancer as well as a magician):

When the music stops

When the music stops, the dance is doneSo listen and dance with all your mind and your heart.Always dance as if it were the last oneLive life to the fullest, make the most of your part.

When the magic is gone, it’s gone foreverSo leave room for mystery in all of your days.Keep a bit of excitement in every endeavourOnce the magic is gone, it’s gone always.

When the music has stopped, and the magic has goneWe can smile and look back at a life that’s well done.

Actually, the magic does live on, in the memories of Stan’s friends, fellow magicians, and those who saw him perform his well-known drunk act over the years. Earlier today I found a VHS videotape recorded at the Regal Theatre, Worksop, in 1991. The picture and sound quality aren’t great, and I had to cut a small section part-way through due to an unfortunate glitch on the tape. But it’s good to have this reminder of one of Sheffield’s magical characters, and a classic act!

RIP Stan I remember you well sitting many times with my father “talking shop”…

If anyone has any of my fathers (Bob Moore – deceased 2002) materials at all copies or digital, old pictures or anything I would really appreciate a copy as all of mine were destroyed / lost in a house move. Thanks all.

Hi Russell good to hear from you and hope the entertainment business is treating you well – thanks for such a prompt response! I don’t have anything at all I’m afraid – everything I had went missing in the move so anything you could help with would be fabulous – thanks so much – please feel free to use my regular email…